Plant based dinner ideas for family-easy weeknight meals, budget tips, swaps and kid-approved favourites.
If you're hunting for plant based dinner ideas for family mealtimes, you're in the right place. Below you'll find fast weeknight dinners, hearty soups, colourful bowls and creamy pastas that the whole family will actually eat-plus UK-friendly ingredients, budget notes, prep-ahead tips, and picky-eater tricks.
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Why these plant based dinner ideas for family's work for busy weeknights
Most of the ideas use simple ingredients you can grab at any supermarket-tinned tomatoes, chickpeas, white beans, brown rice, whole grain pasta, fresh herbs, and leafy greens. You'll also see flavour boosters like nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice/lime juice, warm spices, and a splash of coconut milk for a quick creamy sauce. There's plenty of plant-based protein (beans, lentils, tofu) and whole grains, plus loads of fresh veggies so you're serving nutrient-rich foods without stress.
15 family-friendly plant-based dinner ideas
A mix of We Made This Vegan recipes and a few excellent options from other trusted vegan blogs.
Fast tray-bakes & pastas
- One-Tray Roasted Pepper & Butter Bean Pasta - toss, roast, blitz the tray juices into a sauce and dinner's done. (We Made This Vegan)
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach - 20 minutes to a silky, "real thing" creamy pasta (dairy-free). (We Made This Vegan)
- Healthy Vegan Pasta Bake - crowd-pleasing bake; use wholewheat pasta and add kalamata olives for a bold flavor twist. (BBC Good Food)
- Broccoli Pesto Pasta - whizz broccoli, basil, pine nuts (or walnuts) and nutritional yeast; ideal for random-shape pasta kids love. (We Made This Vegan)
Healthy Vegan Pasta Bake
Enjoy this hearty, healthy vegan pasta bake midweek, then reheat the leftovers on another night. It's made with courgettes, lentils, basil and a clever cashew topping
Homemade Vegan Broccoli Pesto Recipe With Cashews
This vegan broccoli pesto takes minutes to make and is so nutritious. Mix it through some pasta and it's the perfect easy lunch or dinner when you are short of time.
Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Spinach
This creamy vegan sun-dried tomato pasta with spinach is rich, flavourful and easy. Perfect for a quick, healthy, plant-based weeknight dinner!
One-Tray Roasted Pepper and Butter Bean Pasta
This easy, delicious one-tray roasted pepper and butter bean pasta is the perfect midweek meal-vegan, packed with flavor, and incredibly simple to make!
One-pot favourites
- Easy Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Tomato & Spinach - cheesy vibes, minimal effort. (We Made This Vegan)
- Vegan Biryani (One-Pan) - fragrant rice loaded with veg; a great way to use up bell pepper and red onions. (We Made This Vegan)
- Easy Coconut Curry - quick curry template packed with veg; serve with brown rice. (Love and Lemons)
Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe | Vegetable Biryani
This vegan biryani recipe is a hearty dish made with rice, vegetables and a mix of spices. It's perfect for your next potluck or dinner party! Made in only one pan it is also perfect for a mid-week family meal. It is tasty, full of flavour and packed with healthy vegetables.
Easy Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Tomato and Spinach
This easy vegan gnocchi bake with tomato and spinach is a delicious, quick and easy to make. It is a healthy comfort food that's perfect for a weeknight dinner and the whole family will enjoy.
Easy Coconut Curry
A go-to vegetable curry recipe. It's easy to make, but it packs a punch of flavor from turmeric, ginger, more delicious spices & fresh chiles.
Soups & stews (great for meal prep)
- Slow Cooker Lentil Soup (Crockpot Recipe) - set-and-forget, high in plant-based protein. (We Made This Vegan)
- Chickpea & Sweet Potato Soup - zingy with ginger and herbs; lovely the next day. (We Made This Vegan)
- Broccoli Almond Blender Soup - ultra-creamy without cream; add toast for a full meal. (We Made This Vegan)
Easy Creamy Broccoli Almond Soup Recipe (Vegan)
This delicious broccoli almond soup has a beautiful creamy texture, is really tasty and great for you too. There's literally no reason not to make this recipe a staple part of your meal plan.
Easy Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Cosy chickpea and sweet potato soup with lime, ginger and herbs-one-pot, hearty, vegan and weeknight-easy.
Slow Cooker Vegan Lentil Soup (Crockpot Recipe)
Set-and-forget Lentil Soup (Crockpot Recipe) for cosy nights; vegan, hearty, and freezer-friendly.
Beans & rice (budget heroes)
- Slow Cooker Black Beans & Rice - hands-off, freezer-friendly and a family favorite. (We Made This Vegan)
- Pinto Bean Stew - This hearty Pinto Bean Stew can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop using dry pinto beans, yams, corn, and poblanos. A warming, flavorful stew that is vegan & gluten-free and perfect with a side of rice. (Feasting At Home)
Vegan Slow Cooker Black Beans and Rice (Crock Pot Recipe)
This slow cooker black beans and rice recipe is packed with flavour, and it's a hearty dish that's ideal for the colder months.
Pinto Bean Stew (Instant Pot or Stovetop)
This hearty Pinto Bean Stew can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop using dry pinto beans, yams, corn, and poblanos. A warming, flavorful stew that is vegan & gluten-free.
"Build-your-own" nights (picky-eater gold)
- Kid-Friendly Veggie Bowls - lay out grains, beans, veg and a creamy dressing; everyone builds their own. (Plant-Based on a Budget)
- Garlic Peanut Noodles / Ultimate Vegan Tacos - slurpable noodles or taco night with all the toppings. (Rainbow Plant Life)
- Vegan Charcuterie Board - sheet-pan suppers and food-bar setups that suit mixed-diet households. (Food Network)
Vegan Charcuterie Board
Mediterranean Vegan Pasta Salad
This quick, easy vegan pasta salad is loaded with fresh, bright, vibrant Mediterranean vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. A fresh, crowd-pleasing summery Mediterranean pasta salad for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and mid-week meals!
Garlic Peanut Noodles
Say hello to your new favorite noodle obsession! These Garlic Peanut Noodles are rich, slurpable, and totally addictive-loaded with savory-sweet peanut sauce, crispy veggies, and a fiery splash of chili crisp. Weeknight dinner just got a glow-up.
Quick ingredient notes (availability & nutrition)
- Pantry first: tinned white beans, refried beans, lentils, passata, coconut milk, pasta, oat or almond milk keep costs down.
- Veg that go far: sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, swiss chard, leafy greens, cauliflower steaks-easy to roast and batch.
- Protein & iron: beans, mung beans, tofu/tempeh; pair with vitamin-C (squeeze of lemon juice/lime juice) to aid absorption.
- Flavour boosters: nutritional yeast (umami flavor), miso, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, tahini, pesto, and quick flavorful sauces you can blitz in 60 seconds.
- Allergens: most dinners are nut-optional; swap cashews for silken tofu or seeds; use chickpea flour to thicken sauces if gluten-free.
Variations & substitutions
- Creamy sauces without nuts: blend white beans or silken tofu with stock, olive oil, garlic and nutritional yeast for an Alfredo-style base.
- Swap the base: serve any curry or stew over brown rice, quinoa, baked potatoes or couscous.
- More veg, less meat: replace ground beef in family recipes with plant-based lentil bolognese or finely chopped mushrooms for that earthy flavor and umami.
- Greens upgrade: stir in fresh cilantro, spinach, bok choy or swiss chard at the end to keep colours vibrant.
- Milder for kids: reduce chilli; offer heat at the table with chilli oil or flakes so the whole family can share the same pan.
Serving ideas
- Add a speedy side dish: sheet-pan broccoli, lemony green beans, or a hearty salad with grains and seeds.
- Keep a "best part" topping tray: toasted seeds, croutons, vegan parmesan, chopped herbs and citrus wedges to finish bowls with a little bit of crunch and brightness.
- For busy weeknights, double the first recipe you make and box extras for lunchboxes (pasta bakes, bean bowls and curries reheat brilliantly).
FAQs
What are easy plant based dinner ideas for family with picky eaters?
"Build-your-own" nights (taco bars, bowls, peanut noodles) let kids choose toppings while everyone shares one core meal. Try the veggie bowl format or peanut noodles listed above. (Plant-Based on a Budget, Rainbow Plant Life)
How do I make sauces creamy without dairy or nuts?
Blend white beans or silken tofu with stock and nutritional yeast, or use a small splash of coconut milk plus a cornflour slurry for a silky finish.
What protein should I aim for?
Beans, lentils, tofu/tempeh, edamame, whole grains and chickpea flour-based pancakes/flatbreads are easy wins. Pair soups and stews with brown rice or wholemeal pittas.
Can these dinners work for mixed-diet families?
Yes-keep a neutral base (roast veg, noodles, rice, beans) and serve optional add-ons. Food-bar style service makes it simple. (Food Network)
Budget tips for plant-based dinners?
Rely on tinned beans, bulk whole grains, seasonal veg, and freezer-friendly tray-bakes. Soups/stews like lentil or bean-and-rice dishes are the most cost-effective options. (We Made This Vegan)
Any fun ideas for younger kids?
Use random shape pasta, cut veg into fun sticks, blitz sauces smooth, and let them sprinkle "parmesan" (almonds + nutritional yeast) at the table.
Final thoughts on plant based ideas for family dinners
For plant based dinner ideas for family nights that you'll actually stick with, mix one or two easy meals (like a creamy pasta or tray-bake) with a soup or bean-and-rice dish for meal prep and leftovers. Rotate flavours with simple add-ins-fresh herbs, citrus, a pinch of warm spices, or a drizzle of tahini-and you'll have plant based dinner ideas for family mealtimes that everyone looks forward to.
If you liked these plant based ideas for family mealtimes you might also like these posts...
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Free Easy 30 Day Vegan Meal Plan For Beginners
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Delicious Vegan Catering Menu Ideas
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On-The-Go Nutrition For A Plant-Based Diet: A Meal Prep Guide
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Free Weekly Family Vegan Meal Plan (PDF)
I also share plant based dinner ideas for family mealtimes every week via email if you join my free weekly meal plan email list...
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